Is a Breakup of Google Coming? Australia’s Move to Ban Young Teens From Social Media, and How to Engage Students in the Classroom
The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Key Insights
Why might a breakup of Google be unlikely despite potential antitrust penalties?
CEOs and controlling shareholders prefer managing large companies for higher compensation and prestige, making them resistant to breaking up even if it maximizes shareholder value. Additionally, the perceived efficiencies between coordinating and cooperating units create barriers for competitors in digital marketing.
What are the potential benefits of breaking up tech giants like Google and Amazon?
Breaking up these companies could lead to significant value unlocking for shareholders and reduce the concentration of power, lowering rents charged to consumers and businesses. It could also stimulate competition and innovation in the marketplace.
Why is Australia considering banning social media for children under 16?
Australia aims to prevent online harms such as predatory behavior and harmful content pushed by algorithms. The proposed legislation would require social media platforms to actively protect users by regularly reviewing and addressing safety risks.
What are the potential challenges in implementing an age restriction system for social media?
Challenges include verifying users' ages through methods like biometric verification and government identification, which raise privacy and security concerns. Social media companies, which profit significantly from advertising to young users, may resist these measures.
How can a professor effectively engage a small group of students in a classroom setting?
Engaging a small group involves creating a robust conversation where each student speaks at least once. This can be achieved through active debate and critical thinking exercises, ensuring every student participates and feels comfortable contributing.
Chapters
- Google could be broken up into four separate companies: AI, Cloud, YouTube, and Waymo.
- YouTube commands more viewership time than Netflix and could be worth more than Bank of America if spun off.
- CEOs prefer large companies for higher compensation and prestige, making a breakup unlikely.